Byron Writers Fest is the latest victim of COVID-19 cancellations

Event organisers have confirmed the cancellation of the 2020 Byron Writers Festival. Due to take place in August, tickets had not yet gone on sale.

In a statement released today, the festival said:

“Regrettably and with a heavy heart we have made the decision to cancel Byron Writers Festival 2020, which was scheduled to run from 7-9 August. In light of current public health advice regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the cessation of non-essential public gatherings, we have come to this difficult and inevitable choice to protect the health of writers and the entire community.

We believe storytelling, ideas and connection matter more than ever at a time like this and we are reimagining how we might connect writers and thinkers with our audiences this year, including investigating the possibility of a virtual version of the Festival. Watch this space.

We understand this comes as disappointing news to many of you and it goes without saying that the coming months will be incredibly challenging for many of us.”

Dates have been set for next year’s event, scheduled for 6th-8th August 2021. See the Byron Bay Writers Festival website for more information.

Jodie Sloan

Living, writing, and reading in Brisbane/Meanjin. Likes spooky books, strong cocktails, and pro-wrestling.